DOCSLIB.ORG

Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Syndrome (Hboc) – Brca2 Patient Information

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Syndrome (Hboc) – Brca2 Patient Information CANCER GENETICS & PREVENTION HEREDITARY BREAST AND OVARIAN CANCER SYNDROME (HBOC) – BRCA2 PATIENT INFORMATION What is Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer syndrome? People with BRCA2 alterations have a genetic condition called Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer syndrome (HBOC). HBOC is caused by an error (alteration) in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene. About 2% of women diagnosed with breast cancer have HBOC and about 10% of women with ovarian cancer have HBOC. Families with HBOC usually have several relatives who have developed breast cancer, ovarian cancer, prostate cancer, or pancreatic cancer. Women with BRCA2 alterations have higher risks of breast, ovarian, and pancreatic cancers. The breast cancers are often hormone receptor positive cancers. Some women with BRCA2 alterations develop breast cancer in both breasts. Women with BRCA2 alterations have a higher risk of developing ovarian cancer or other related cancers of the fallopian tube or peritoneum (lining of the abdomen). Men with BRCA2 alterations have higher risks of prostate, breast, and pancreatic cancers. Men with BRCA2 alterations may be at risk for developing aggressive prostate cancer. Men with BRCA2 alterations do have much lower risks of cancer than women with BRCA2 alterations. The two tables below show the risks of cancer for women and men with BRCA2 alterations compared to people in the general population. These percentages are lifetime risks of cancer. This means that these are the risks of cancer totaled up over a lifetime. Women: Cancer BRCA2 Risk General Population Risk Breast 50-85% 12% Second breast cancer >50% depending on age 20% Ovary 10-20% 1-2% Pancreas ~3-5% or more <1% Men: Cancer BRCA2 Risk General Population Risk Breast ~6-10% 0.1% Prostate increased 16% Pancreas ~3-5% or more <1% <References:Moran et al., 2012; Antoniou et al, 2003; Chen et al., 2006> What causes HBOC? All of us have about 22,000 genes in almost every cell in our body. We have two copies of almost every gene (one copy from each parent). Each gene has a specific job in the body. Genes are made up of a series of four chemical letters (our DNA) in a set pattern. If there is an error (alteration) in the DNA pattern of a gene, then it will not be able to do its job. The BRCA2 gene helps to fix DNA damage in our cells and keeps our cells growing normally. People with HBOC are born with one altered BRCA2 gene that does not work and one normal BRCA2 gene that does work. As long as the one working BRCA2 gene is doing its job, then cancer is unlikely to occur. This is why some people with BRCA2 alterations never develop cancer. Over time, there is a chance that the working BRCA2 gene will get damaged in a single cell. This happens because of chance or because of exposures to cancer-causing agents. Then the cell has no BRCA2 gene to help protect its DNA. Cancer can eventually develop when this happens. People with HBOC have one altered BRCA2 gene in almost every cell of their body. But they are only at risk for developing certain types of cancer. This is because the BRCA2 is most active in certain organs and cell types. How is HBOC inherited? BRCA2 alterations are passed on from parent to child, like other family traits. Hereditary Breast- Ovarian Cancer syndrome is an example of a “dominant” genetic condition. Dominant means that it takes only one altered copy of a gene in order to cause the condition. Hereditary Breast-Ovarian Cancer syndrome is caused by inheriting an altered BRCA2 gene from one of your parents. Both men and women can have BRCA2 alterations and can pass it on to their children. BRCA2 alterations do not skip generations. So if someone in your family does not have the altered gene, then their children cannot inherit it. Here are the chances that your relatives might have the altered gene: Your Children –a 50% chance for each child. Both your daughters and your sons can inherit the altered gene. Your Mother or Father – almost a 50% chance. In most cases, one of your parents will be found to have the altered gene. In rare cases, neither of your parents will have the altered gene. Your Brothers and Sisters – a 50% chance if one of your parents had the alteration. If neither of your parents had the alteration, then your siblings have a very low risk of having the alteration. Your aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews – their chances of having an altered gene depend on where they are in the family tree. Remember that only one side of your family will be at risk of having the altered gene. Please ask us if you have any questions about the risks to your relatives or how best to share this news with your family Cancer Genetics & Prevention: 08/2013 What are the recommendations for cancer screening and risk reduction? Screening refers to medical tests that try to find cancer at an early stage of disease. Risk reduction strategies are used to try to prevent a specific type of cancer. Screening: For women: clinical breast exams every 6 months (beginning at age 25) breast MRIs every year (beginning at age 25) mammograms every year (beginning at age 25-30) For men: clinical breast exams every year (beginning at age 35) prostate cancer screening every year (beginning at age 40) For men and women: skin checks with a dermatologist every year for atypical moles and melanoma For men and women with a family history of pancreatic cancer: pancreatic cancer screening Risk Reduction: Preventive surgery to remove the ovaries and fallopian tubes – This surgery is called prophylactic salpingo-oophorectomy. This surgery reduces the risk of ovarian cancer by greater than 90% Removing the ovaries and tubes before menopause also reduces the breast cancer risk by as much as 50%. It is recommended that women have this surgery after they are done having children. Ideally, surgery is performed between ages 35-40, but it can also be done at other ages. Some women choose to have a hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) at the same time. Issues to consider about salpino-oophorectomy: the timing of the procedure, the type of surgery, the impact of becoming menopausal, and the benefits and risks of this surgery. We would be happy to refer you to a gynecological surgeon to talk more about these issues. Preventive surgery to remove breast tissue – This surgery is called prophylactic mastectomy. This surgery can reduce breast cancer risk by over 90%. Issues to consider about mastectomy: the timing of the procedure, the type of surgery, options for breast reconstruction, and the benefits and risks of this surgery. We would be happy to refer you to a breast surgeon and a plastic surgeon to talk more about these issues. Some medications can reduce the risk of breast and ovarian cancer in women with BRCA2 alterations- o Taking a drug to reduce the risk of cancer is called chemoprevention. Drugs like tamoxifen, exemestane, and raloxifene may help reduce the risk of breast cancer in women with BRCA2 alterations. Decisions about risk-reducing medications should be made after careful consideration with your doctor about the risks, benefits, and side effects. Our physicians are also happy to talk with you about this option. Cancer Genetics & Prevention: 08/2013 o Oral contraceptives (birth control pills) reduce the risk of ovarian cancer. There has been concern about the use of birth control pills and increased breast cancer risk. There are risks and benefits of using birth control pills that should be considered with your doctor. Our physicians are also happy to talk with you about this option. Where can I find more information? Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Center for Cancer Genetics & Prevention www.dana-farber.org/cancergenetics Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered http://www.facingourrisk.org/ Bright Pink http://www.brightpink.org/ American Cancer Society http://www.cancer.org/ National Cancer Institute www.cancer.gov References Antoniou et al. Am J Hum Genet. 2003 May;72(5):1117-30 Chen et al. J of Clin Oncol. 2006 Feb 20;24(6):863-71 Moran et al. Fam Cancer 2012 (11):235-242 NCCN Guidelines Version 3.2013 PDQ Cancer Information Summaries [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Cancer Institute (US); 2002-. Genetics of Breast and Ovarian Cancer (PDQ®): Health Professional Version. [Updated 2012 November 9]. Available at: http://cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/genetics/breast-and-ovarian/HealthProfessional. Cancer Genetics & Prevention: 08/2013 .
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Prostate Cancer Causes, Risk Factors, and Prevention Risk Factors
    cancer.org | 1.800.227.2345 Prostate Cancer Causes, Risk Factors, and Prevention Risk Factors A risk factor is anything that increases your chances of getting a disease such as cancer. Learn more about the risk factors for prostate cancer. ● Prostate Cancer Risk Factors ● What Causes Prostate Cancer? Prevention There is no sure way to prevent prostate cancer. But there are things you can do that might lower your risk. Learn more. ● Can Prostate Cancer Be Prevented? Prostate Cancer Risk Factors A risk factor is anything that raises your risk of getting a disease such as cancer. Different cancers have different risk factors. Some risk factors, like smoking, can be changed. Others, like a person’s age or family history, can’t be changed. But having a risk factor, or even several, does not mean that you will get the disease. 1 ____________________________________________________________________________________American Cancer Society cancer.org | 1.800.227.2345 Many people with one or more risk factors never get cancer, while others who get cancer may have had few or no known risk factors. Researchers have found several factors that might affect a man’s risk of getting prostate cancer. Age Prostate cancer is rare in men younger than 40, but the chance of having prostate cancer rises rapidly after age 50. About 6 in 10 cases of prostate cancer are found in men older than 65. Race/ethnicity Prostate cancer develops more often in African-American men and in Caribbean men of African ancestry than in men of other races. And when it does develop in these men, they tend to be younger.
    [Show full text]
  • CASODEX (Bicalutamide)
    HIGHLIGHTS OF PRESCRIBING INFORMATION • Gynecomastia and breast pain have been reported during treatment with These highlights do not include all the information needed to use CASODEX 150 mg when used as a single agent. (5.3) CASODEX® safely and effectively. See full prescribing information for • CASODEX is used in combination with an LHRH agonist. LHRH CASODEX. agonists have been shown to cause a reduction in glucose tolerance in CASODEX® (bicalutamide) tablet, for oral use males. Consideration should be given to monitoring blood glucose in Initial U.S. Approval: 1995 patients receiving CASODEX in combination with LHRH agonists. (5.4) -------------------------- RECENT MAJOR CHANGES -------------------------- • Monitoring Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) is recommended. Evaluate Warnings and Precautions (5.2) 10/2017 for clinical progression if PSA increases. (5.5) --------------------------- INDICATIONS AND USAGE -------------------------- ------------------------------ ADVERSE REACTIONS ----------------------------- • CASODEX 50 mg is an androgen receptor inhibitor indicated for use in Adverse reactions that occurred in more than 10% of patients receiving combination therapy with a luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone CASODEX plus an LHRH-A were: hot flashes, pain (including general, back, (LHRH) analog for the treatment of Stage D2 metastatic carcinoma of pelvic and abdominal), asthenia, constipation, infection, nausea, peripheral the prostate. (1) edema, dyspnea, diarrhea, hematuria, nocturia, and anemia. (6.1) • CASODEX 150 mg daily is not approved for use alone or with other treatments. (1) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP at 1-800-236-9933 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or ---------------------- DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION ---------------------- www.fda.gov/medwatch The recommended dose for CASODEX therapy in combination with an LHRH analog is one 50 mg tablet once daily (morning or evening).
    [Show full text]
  • Primary Screening for Breast Cancer with Conventional Mammography: Clinical Summary
    Primary Screening for Breast Cancer With Conventional Mammography: Clinical Summary Population Women aged 40 to 49 y Women aged 50 to 74 y Women aged ≥75 y The decision to start screening should be No recommendation. Recommendation Screen every 2 years. an individual one. Grade: I statement Grade: B Grade: C (insufficient evidence) These recommendations apply to asymptomatic women aged ≥40 y who do not have preexisting breast cancer or a previously diagnosed high-risk breast lesion and who are not at high risk for breast cancer because of a known underlying genetic mutation Risk Assessment (such as a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation or other familial breast cancer syndrome) or a history of chest radiation at a young age. Increasing age is the most important risk factor for most women. Conventional digital mammography has essentially replaced film mammography as the primary method for breast cancer screening Screening Tests in the United States. Conventional digital screening mammography has about the same diagnostic accuracy as film overall, although digital screening seems to have comparatively higher sensitivity but the same or lower specificity in women age <50 y. For women who are at average risk for breast cancer, most of the benefit of mammography results from biennial screening during Starting and ages 50 to 74 y. While screening mammography in women aged 40 to 49 y may reduce the risk for breast cancer death, the Stopping Ages number of deaths averted is smaller than that in older women and the number of false-positive results and unnecessary biopsies is larger. The balance of benefits and harms is likely to improve as women move from their early to late 40s.
    [Show full text]
  • U.S. Cancer Statistics: Male Urologic Cancers During 2013–2017, One of Three Cancers Diagnosed in Men Was a Urologic Cancer
    Please visit the accessible version of this content at https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/uscs/about/data-briefs/no21-male-urologic-cancers.htm December 2020| No. 21 U.S. Cancer Statistics: Male Urologic Cancers During 2013–2017, one of three cancers diagnosed in men was a urologic cancer. Of 302,304 urologic cancers diagnosed each year, 67% were found in the prostate, 19% in the urinary bladder, 13% in the kidney or renal pelvis, and 3% in the testis. Incidence Male urologic cancer is any cancer that starts in men’s reproductive or urinary tract organs. The four most common sites where cancer is found are the prostate, urinary bladder, kidney or renal pelvis, and testis. Other sites include the penis, ureter, and urethra. Figure 1. Age-Adjusted Incidence Rates for 4 Common Urologic Cancers Among Males, by Racial/Ethnic Group, United States, 2013–2017 5.0 Racial/Ethnic Group Prostate cancer is the most common 2.1 Hispanic Non-Hispanic Asian or Pacific Islander urologic cancer among men in all 6.3 Testis Non-Hispanic American Indian/Alaska Native racial/ethnic groups. 1.5 Non-Hispanic Black 7.0 Non-Hispanic White 5.7 All Males Among non-Hispanic White and Asian/Pacific Islander men, bladder 21.8 11.4 cancer is the second most common and 29.4 kidney cancer is the third most Kidney and Renal Pelvis 26.1 common, but this order is switched 23.1 22.8 among other racial/ethnic groups. 18.6 • The incidence rate for prostate 14.9 cancer is highest among non- 21.1 Urinary Bladder 19.7 Hispanic Black men.
    [Show full text]
  • Breast Cancer Treatment What You Should Know Ta Bl E of C Onte Nts
    Breast Cancer Treatment What You Should Know Ta bl e of C onte nts 1 Introduction . 1 2 Taking Care of Yourself After Your Breast Cancer Diagnosis . 3 3 Working with Your Doctor or Health Care Provider . 5 4 What Are the Stages of Breast Cancer? . 7 5 Your Treatment Options . 11 6 Breast Reconstruction . 21 7 Will Insurance Pay for Surgery? . 25 8 If You Don’t Have Health Insurance . 26 9 Life After Breast Cancer Treatment . 27 10 Questions to Ask Your Health Care Team . 29 11 Breast Cancer Hotlines, Support Groups, and Other Resources . 33 12 Definitions . 35 13 Notes . 39 1 Introducti on You are not alone. There are over three million breast cancer survivors living in the United States. Great improvements have been made in breast cancer treatment over the past 20 years. People with breast cancer are living longer and healthier lives than ever before and many new breast cancer treatments have fewer side effects. The New York State Department of Health is providing this information to help you understand your treatment choices. Here are ways you can use this information: • Ask a friend or someone on your health care team to read this information along with you, or have them read it and talk about it with you when you feel ready. • Read this information in sections rather than all at once. For example, if you have just been diagnosed with breast cancer, you may only want to read Sections 1-4 for now. Sections 5-8 may be helpful while you are choosing your treatment options, and Section 9 may be helpful to read as you are finishing treatment.
    [Show full text]
  • Cancer Treatment and Survivorship Facts & Figures 2019-2021
    Cancer Treatment & Survivorship Facts & Figures 2019-2021 Estimated Numbers of Cancer Survivors by State as of January 1, 2019 WA 386,540 NH MT VT 84,080 ME ND 95,540 59,970 38,430 34,360 OR MN 213,620 300,980 MA ID 434,230 77,860 SD WI NY 42,810 313,370 1,105,550 WY MI 33,310 RI 570,760 67,900 IA PA NE CT 243,410 NV 185,720 771,120 108,500 OH 132,950 NJ 543,190 UT IL IN 581,350 115,840 651,810 296,940 DE 55,460 CA CO WV 225,470 1,888,480 KS 117,070 VA MO MD 275,420 151,950 408,060 300,200 KY 254,780 DC 18,750 NC TN 470,120 AZ OK 326,530 NM 207,260 AR 392,530 111,620 SC 143,320 280,890 GA AL MS 446,900 135,260 244,320 TX 1,140,170 LA 232,100 AK 36,550 FL 1,482,090 US 16,920,370 HI 84,960 States estimates do not sum to US total due to rounding. Source: Surveillance Research Program, Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, National Cancer Institute. Contents Introduction 1 Long-term Survivorship 24 Who Are Cancer Survivors? 1 Quality of Life 24 How Many People Have a History of Cancer? 2 Financial Hardship among Cancer Survivors 26 Cancer Treatment and Common Side Effects 4 Regaining and Improving Health through Healthy Behaviors 26 Cancer Survival and Access to Care 5 Concerns of Caregivers and Families 28 Selected Cancers 6 The Future of Cancer Survivorship in Breast (Female) 6 the United States 28 Cancers in Children and Adolescents 9 The American Cancer Society 30 Colon and Rectum 10 How the American Cancer Society Saves Lives 30 Leukemia and Lymphoma 12 Research 34 Lung and Bronchus 15 Advocacy 34 Melanoma of the Skin 16 Prostate 16 Sources of Statistics 36 Testis 17 References 37 Thyroid 19 Acknowledgments 45 Urinary Bladder 19 Uterine Corpus 21 Navigating the Cancer Experience: Treatment and Supportive Care 22 Making Decisions about Cancer Care 22 Cancer Rehabilitation 22 Psychosocial Care 23 Palliative Care 23 Transitioning to Long-term Survivorship 23 This publication attempts to summarize current scientific information about Global Headquarters: American Cancer Society Inc.
    [Show full text]
  • State of Science Breast Cancer Fact Sheet
    Patient Version Breast Cancer Fact Sheet About Breast Cancer Breast cancer can start in any area of the breast. In the US, breast cancer is the most common cancer (after skin cancer) and the second-leading cause of cancer death (after lung cancer) in women. Risk Factors Risk factors for breast cancer that you cannot change Lifestyle-related risk factors for breast cancer include: • Drinking alcohol Being born female • Being overweight or obese, especially after menopause This is the main risk factor for breast cancer. But men can get breast cancer, too. • Not being physically active Getting older • Getting hormone therapy after menopause with As a person gets older, their risk of breast cancer estrogen and progesterone therapy goes up. Most breast cancers are found in women • Starting menstruation early or having late menopause age 55 or older. • Never having children or having first live birth after Personal or family history age 30 A woman who has had breast cancer in the past or has a • Using certain types of birth control close blood relative who has had breast cancer (mother, • Having a history of non-cancerous breast conditions father, sister, brother, daughter) has a higher risk of getting it. Having more than one close blood relative increases the risk even more. It’s important to know that Prevention most women with breast cancer don’t have a close blood There is no sure way to prevent breast cancer, and relative with the disease. some risk factors can’t be changed, such as being born female, age, race, and personal or family history of the Inheriting gene changes disease.
    [Show full text]
  • PROSTATE and TESTIS PATHOLOGY “A Coin Has Two Sides”, the Duality of Male Pathology
    7/12/2017 PROSTATE AND TESTIS PATHOLOGY “A Coin Has Two Sides”, The Duality Of Male Pathology • Jaime Furman, M.D. • Pathology Reference Laboratory San Antonio. • Clinical Assistant Professor Departments of Pathology and Urology, UT Health San Antonio. Source: http://themoderngoddess.com/blog/spring‐equinox‐balance‐in‐motion/ I am Colombian and speak English with a Spanish accent! o Shannon Alporta o Lindsey Sinn o Joe Nosito o Megan Bindseil o Kandace Michael o Savannah McDonald Source: http://www.taringa.net/posts/humor/7967911/Sindrome‐de‐la‐ Tiza.html 1 7/12/2017 The Prostate Axial view Base Apex Middle Apex Sagittal view Reference: Vikas Kundra, M.D., Ph.D. , Surena F. Matin, M.D. , Deborah A. Kuban, M.Dhttps://clinicalgate.com/prostate‐cancer‐4/ Ultrasound‐guided biopsy following a specified grid pattern of biopsies remains the standard of care. This approach misses 21% to 28% of prostate cancers. JAMA. 2017;317(24):2532‐2542. http://www.nature.com/nrurol/journal/v10/n12/abs/nrurol.2013.195.html Prostate Pathology Inflammation / granulomas Categories Adenosis, radiation, atrophy seminal vesicle Biopsy Benign TURP HGPIN Unsuspected carcinoma is seen in 12% of Atypical IHC TURP cases. glands Prostatectomy Subtype, Gleason, Malignant fat invasion, vascular invasion Other malignancies: sarcomas, lymphomas Benign Prostate Remember Malignant Glands Lack Basal Glands Cells Basal cells Secretory cells Stroma 2 7/12/2017 Benign Prostatic Lesions Atrophy Corpora amylacea (secretions) Seminal Vesicle Acute inflammation GMS Basal cell hyperplasia Basal cell hyperplasia Granulomas (BPH) (BPH) coccidiomycosis Mimics of Prostate Carcinoma Atrophy. Benign Carcinoma with atrophic features Prostate Carcinoma 1. Prostate cancer is the most common, noncutaneous cancer in men in the United States.
    [Show full text]
  • Ovarian Cancer Causes, Risk Factors, and Prevention Risk Factors
    cancer.org | 1.800.227.2345 Ovarian Cancer Causes, Risk Factors, and Prevention Risk Factors A risk factor is anything that affects your chance of getting a disease such as cancer. Learn more about the risk factors for ovarian cancer. ● Ovarian Cancer Risk Factors ● What Causes Ovarian Cancer? Prevention There is no known way to prevent most ovarian cancers. But there are things you can do that might lower your risk. Learn more. ● Can Ovarian Cancer Be Prevented? Ovarian Cancer Risk Factors A risk factor is anything that increases your chance of getting a disease like cancer. Different cancers have different risk factors. Some risk factors, like smoking, can be changed. Others, like a person’s age or family history, can’t be changed. But having a risk factor, or even many, does not mean that you will get the disease. And 1 ____________________________________________________________________________________American Cancer Society cancer.org | 1.800.227.2345 some people who get the disease may not have any known risk factors. Researchers have discovered several risk factors that might increase a woman's chance of developing epithelial ovarian cancer. These risk factors don’t apply to other less common types of ovarian cancer like germ cell tumors and stromal tumors. Factors that increase your risk of ovarian cancers Getting older The risk of developing ovarian cancer gets higher with age. Ovarian cancer is rare in women younger than 40. Most ovarian cancers develop after menopause. Half of all ovarian cancers are found in women 63 years of age or older. Being overweight or obese Obesity has been linked to a higher risk of developing many cancers.
    [Show full text]
  • Prognostic Factors in Prostate and Testis Cancer J.P
    View metadata, citation and similar papers at core.ac.uk brought to you by CORE provided by Erasmus University Digital Repository BJU International (1999), 83, 910–917 Prognostic factors in prostate and testis cancer J.P. VAN BRUSSEL and G.H.J. MICKISCH Department of Urology, Erasmus University and Academic Hospital Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands pathological examination of resected specimens [4]. This Introduction creates uncertainty and controversy about the compara- The medical management of patients with prostate or tive eBcacy of diCerent treatments and expected out- testis cancer is based on knowledge of the biological comes for patients. Standardization of staging procedures behaviour of these malignancies, as well as factors such after radical prostatectomy (RP) and clearly defining the as the patient’s age and general medical condition. extraprostatic extension and positive surgical margins Depending on the expected prognosis, a patient may be will result in significant improvements in staging. treated with curative intent, at times enduring consider- Additional data to enhance the accuracy of staging and able morbidity from the treatment. In other cases, a prediction of clinical outcome for individual patients palliative approach, based on quality-of-life issues, may may include; systematic biopsies to predict preoperative be the treatment of first choice. It is a challenging task tumour volume and a volume-based prognostic index, to choose the optimal therapy for an individual patient linking cancer volume with extraprostatic extension, because of diBculties in predicting precisely the course seminal vesicle invasion and lymph node metastases [5]. of the malignant process in each patient. Studies on A multiple prognostic index [6], including variables such tissue-related prognostic factors form an extensive part as serum PSA, tumour volume, tumour grade, tumour of the contemporary oncological literature.
    [Show full text]
  • Prostate Cancer Early Detection, Diagnosis, and Staging Finding Prostate Cancer Early
    cancer.org | 1.800.227.2345 Prostate Cancer Early Detection, Diagnosis, and Staging Finding Prostate Cancer Early Catching cancer early often allows for more treatment options. Some early cancers may have signs and symptoms that can be noticed, but that is not always the case. ● Can Prostate Cancer Be Found Early? ● Screening Tests for Prostate Cancer ● American Cancer Society Recommendations for Prostate Cancer Early Detection ● Insurance Coverage for Prostate Cancer Screening Diagnosis and Planning Treatment After a cancer diagnosis, staging provides important information about the extent of cancer in the body and anticipated response to treatment. ● Signs and Symptoms of Prostate Cancer ● Tests to Diagnose and Stage Prostate Cancer ● Prostate Pathology ● Prostate Cancer Stages and Other Ways to Assess Risk ● Survival Rates for Prostate Cancer ● Questions To Ask About Prostate Cancer 1 ____________________________________________________________________________________American Cancer Society cancer.org | 1.800.227.2345 Can Prostate Cancer Be Found Early? Screening is testing to find cancer in people before they have symptoms. For some types of cancer, screening can help find cancers at an early stage, when they are likely to be easier to treat. Prostate cancer can often be found early by testing for prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels in a man’s blood. Another way to find prostate cancer is the digital rectal exam (DRE). For a DRE, the doctor puts a gloved, lubricated finger into the rectum to feel the prostate gland. These tests and the actual process of screening are described in more detail in Screening Tests for Prostate Cancer. If the results of either of these tests is abnormal, further testing (such as a prostate biopsy) is often done to see if a man has cancer.
    [Show full text]
  • Testicular Cancer Patient Guide Table of Contents Urology Care Foundation Reproductive & Sexual Health Committee
    SEXUAL HEALTH Testicular Cancer Patient Guide Table of Contents Urology Care Foundation Reproductive & Sexual Health Committee Mike's Story . 3 CHAIR Introduction . 3 Arthur L . Burnett, II, MD GET THE FACTS How Do the Testicles Work? . 4 COMMITTEE MEMBERS What is Testicular Cancer? . 4 Ali A . Dabaja, MD What are the Symptoms of Testicular Cancer? . 4 Wayne J .G . Hellstrom MD, FACS What Causes Testicular Cancer? . 5 Stanton C . Honig, MD Who Gets Testicular Cancer? . 5 Akanksha Mehta, MD, MS GET DIAGNOSED Landon W . Trost, MD Testicular Self-Exam . 5 Medical Exams . 5 Staging . 6 GET TREATED Surveillance . 7 Surgery . 7 Radiation . 7 Chemotherapy . 8 Future Treatment . 8 CHILDREN WITH TESTICULAR CANCER Get Children Diagnosed . 8 Treatment for Children . 8 Children after Treatment . 8 OTHER CONSIDERATIONS Risk for Return . 9 Sex Life and Fertility . 9 Heart Disease Risk . 9 Questions to Ask Your Doctor . 9 GLOSSARY ................................. 10 2 Mike's Story Mike’s urologist offered him three choices for treatment: radiation therapy, chemotherapy or the lesser-known option (at the time) of active surveillance . He was asked what he wanted to do . Because Mike is a pharmacist, he was invested in doing his own research to figure out what was best . Luckily, Mike chose active surveillance . This saved him from dealing with side effects . Eventually, he knew he needed to get testicular cancer surgery . That 45-minute procedure to remove his testicle from his groin was all he needed to be cancer-free . Mike’s fears went away . For the next five years he chose active surveillance with CT scans, chest x-rays and tumor marker blood tests .
    [Show full text]